5 Things the Hard of Hearing Wish Hearing People Would Stop Doing

When was the last time you took your hearing for granted?

Probably not until you start reading this post. How would you react if you suddenly lost that core sense?

Second question, how would you feel if you suddenly faced years of stigma and condescension? Not great, I bet. However, this is exactly the reality that those who are hard of hearing have to deal with on a regular basis.

But while society can be unkind to those struggling with hearing loss, you can do your part to make them a little kinder by taking into account these five things the hard of hearing will want hearing people to hear , stop.

1. Exaggerate the pronunciation

There is no reason to use exaggerated syllables, speak extremely slowly, or scream. Not only does this distort the noise and make it even more difficult to understand, but it's also incredibly rude, while also making it harder for those who rely on lip reading. Additionally, it can make the person feel ashamed and upset, highly unprofessional, and actively contribute to the stigma associated with hearing loss.

Paternalism is always hurtful, whether joking or playful.

Also, don't pretend to sign. Hearing loss is not a comedic punch line. Getting the bottom of your jokes on someone with hearing loss is cruel and immoral.

Respect is not a difficult concept, learn to do it.

2. Curious

Hearing loss is a difficult and often very private topic. Some people would therefore prefer not to ask questions about their condition, such as: B. whether they use a hearing aid or not. Your questions may seem innocent and really well meant to you.

But wonder how many times someone else has asked that person the exact same question in the exact same way. It is frustrating to keep answering the same questions over and over again, especially when they are curious. And unsolicited advice is even worse.

Before asking or volunteering, consider the following:

• Stop asking about cochlear implants. Many people who are deeply deaf do not want one. That is your choice, and you are under no obligation to explain yourself to you.
• Before you ask, look for the answer online. The internet is a huge resource full of information.
• Find out about the hearing impairment (HoH) and see what members of the HoH community have to say about your questions.

3. Force help

Admitting help, they say, is a brave, mature thing. But that is only possible if you need or want it. Not having a desire for assistance is perfectly acceptable, and for many it is a point of pride.

What a lot of people don't get is not everyone has to have a vulnerable, dramatic breakdown. Not everyone with hearing loss will be affected by the disease or need a lot of help. And some people value independence more than personal convenience.

Let them speak to you if they need help. And even when you see someone struggle, resist the urge to take over and do it for them. It is embarrassing for someone to pretend you are unable to take care of yourself, just as it is humiliating when someone speaks to you or treats you as if you were broken in some way.

They would want independence and space if the situation were to be reversed. So treat HoH people with equal dignity.

4. Underestimating what they understand

Photo credit: Pexels

If you have hearing loss, you'll learn to read body language pretty quickly. It helps create the context that your ears are missing, and eventually, with practice, it becomes easy to gauge a person's intentions. That includes false sincerity.

Hearing loss does not mean loss of competence. Once again for the people in the background. Hearing loss does not mean loss of competence.

Just because someone can't hear you speak doesn't mean they can't understand what you are saying. Not everyone has 100% hearing loss or hearing loss in both ears. And just because someone has trouble hearing you doesn't make them less intelligent.

5. Treat them too differently

People are hard of hearing, not props. When you have a chronic condition it quickly becomes very obvious when someone really cares about you and tries to use you to get attention for themselves.

Being friends with someone who is hard of hearing is not a heroic sacrifice.

It is also important to understand the psychological effects of hearing loss. There is a very real fear of rejection and a concern that people may believe that their condition is slowly pushing them out of social groups. Feelings of isolation associated with communication barriers and frustration over disrespect are also common.

Also understand that there are some aspects of the state that can only be understood through experience. You will not help someone with hearing loss "cure" their condition through pointless suggestions such as holistic treatments. You should expect to be turned away if you make such recommendations.

If you get offended or defensive because of this rejection, this is the problem. You need to understand that a HoH person's condition is not about you. They will ask for your help when they need it.

About the author:

Pauline Dinnauer is VP of Audiological Care at Connect Hearing, which provides industry-leading hearing loss advice, hearing testing and hearing aid advice in the United States.